The Morning Sixpack - November 14, 2024
1. A little-known law from 1798 could be a key part of Trump’s deportation plans
A significant aspect of President Trump's immigration policy may be influenced by a little-known piece of legislation from 1798 called the Alien Enemies Act. Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy groups are mobilizing in response to the Trump administration's policies, and economic analysts are exploring the potential effects these plans could have on the country's financial health. Yet, in Chicago, Mayor Lightfoot has faced criticism for suggesting that Trump's policies threaten Black families. Meanwhile, some immigrants in South Florida fear mass deportations in the event of Trump's return to office.
The Alien Enemies Act, enacted during John Adams's presidency, provides the President with sweeping powers during times of declared war or perceived threats. With this act in his toolbelt, Trump has the possibility to exercise extreme measures, potentially using it to further his deportation plans. This obscure law, raced to the presidential toolkit in anticipation of a possible war with France, targets male citizens of any foreign country with which the U.S. is at war. It empowers the President to apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove them.
On the other hand, immigrant advocacy groups are making a determined effort to counter this potential threat. They are rallying to mobilize support against the possibility of widespread actions against immigrants. They are particularly concerned in regions like South Florida, where there is a high concentration of immigrants who could be impacted by the potential new policies.
Meanwhile, economists are weighing the possible consequences of Trump's immigration plans on the overall economy. Widespread deportations can impact several sectors of the economy, notably agriculture and construction, industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor. Hence, policies targeting immigrants might result in labor shortages and subsequent economic impacts. In the broader landscape, while these immigration strategies can cater to a certain section of the electorate, there are socioeconomic implications to consider.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/politics/alien-enemies-act-1798-trump-cec/index.html
2. From the Department of Irony (probably an actual government office under herr Trump) - Matt Gaetz once faced a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he could now lead
Matt Gaetz, a Republican representative under investigation by the Justice Department for alleged sex trafficking, has been nominated to lead the same department under Trump’s 2024 administration.
Gaetz earlier faced investigation by the Justice Department on allegations of paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl and having her travel across state lines, potentially violating federal sex trafficking laws. This development has sparked major controversy, with John Fetterman, Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor, calling the move a "God-tier kind of trolling."
Matt Gaetz representing resigned from Florida's 1st congressional district and is a notable figure in the Republican Party and a staunch defender of Trump on Capitol Hill. He has been under investigation by the Justice Department since Trump's presidency, in spite of his repeated denials and claims of being a victim of political vendetta.
Critics frame this move as an attempt by Trump to incite outrage and chaos in Washington. The controversial cabinet picks for Trump 2024 serve to keep his political base engaged and the incurred outrage consolidates Trump's 'anti-establishment' image in the eyes of his followers. As illustrated by Fetterman's reaction, these choices seem designed to provoke a strong response from political opponents, igniting further debates that keep Trump's name in the political discourse.
Some have suggested that Gaetz was nominated as a sacrificial lamb, a tit-for-tat, so to speak. Trump puts him out there and says, “Give me all my other nominations and I’ll take him off the table.”
Gaetz resigned yesterday, just days before a House ethics committee report was to be released. Now that he’s no longer a member of the House, they will not be providing that report. How convenient!
Read more on Gaetz’s resignation below.
3. Biden heads to international summits in Peru and Brazil as world leaders brace for Trump presidency
Lame duck President Joe Biden embarks on a six-day visit to Peru and Brazil for his final set of international summits in office, against the backdrop of global leaders shifting their focus to Donald Trump's return to the White House. The visit will feature attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, visits to the Amazon rainforest, and the G20 summit in Brazil. However, global leaders are eyeing Trump's policy choices and selections for key national security and foreign policy positions, suggesting that Biden may not be the primary focus of the summits.
Biden's tour includes substantive discussions on a host of topics like climate issues, global infrastructure, counternarcotic efforts and meetings with international figureheads, such as China's President Xi Jinping. As Trump hints at hardline stances against China with his selection of noted China hawks Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mike Waltz for Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, respectively, Biden's meetings, especially with Xi, gain significance. These appointments by Trump and his campaign promise to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports set the context for Biden's conversations with Xi and other global leaders.
While the outgoing president's tour offers an opportunity to reinforce alliances and press allies for continued support on issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the political gaze seems more inclined towards the transition to Trump's administration. Biden's role at the summits might be to soothe nerves rattled by Trump's anticipated shift in policies, given his past trajectory of protectionist, "America First" agenda. The concentrations shift towards Trump's relations with global leaders, notably China, which was strained during his first term over trade disputes and COVID-19 origins. This transition period brings to mind a similar transition from Barack Obama to Trump, where global leaders were left with uncertainties about Trump's forthcoming policies. However, this time around, world leaders already have an understanding of what a Trump administration would entail.
And it’s not good for most of them!
Source: https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-apec-g20-latin-america-peru-8b317fc2c4f161a60f1a17d52eac3f0a
4. Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress ahead of key Ethics Committee report
Matt Gaetz, a prominent Republican representative, has resigned from Congress ahead of a critical Ethics Committee meeting and subsequent report dissemination. His move has spurred various reactions, with some accusing Gaetz of trolling simply to trigger a meltdown as he faces mounting legal and political pressures. Despite all this, Trump's selection of Gaetz at Attorney General (Head of the Department of Justice) came as no surprise to some, considering their close political alignment.
In more detail, Matt Gaetz has been a controversial figure given his fiery support of Donald Trump and often divisive remarks. The Florida Congressman's departure comes amidst allegations of involvement in a federal sex trafficking inquiry, casting a dark shadow over his political future. This upcoming Ethics Committee meeting was expected to explore these issues. His decision to step down has ignited debates on his intentions and the potential outcomes.
Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, a Democrat, characterized Gaetz’s course of action as "God-tier kind of trolling just to trigger a meltdown." This could be referring to Gaetz's knack for generating controversy and polarizing debates, a tactic often used to deflect attention away from uncomfortable issues.
On the other hand, Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to President Trump, said there was ‘nothing surprising’ about Trump supporting Gaetz, given their close political relationship. Gaetz has been one of Trump's staunchest allies, often echoing his sentiments and supporting his policies. This further amplifies the partisan perspectives on the issue, showing once again how issues are often heavily colored by political alignments.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/11/14/matt-gaetz-resigns-congress-ethics-committee
5. Scientists just discovered a sea creature as large as two basketball courts. Here’s what it looks like
(It’s Matt Gaetz’s forehead!)
Scientists have discovered what they believe is the world's largest coral, a massive sea organism located near the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. This coral, which is as large as two basketball courts, can even be observed from space due to its immense size. It was initially mistaken for a shipwreck due to its enormity and agedness; the creature is estimated to be around 300 years old. This monumental discovery aims to provide more insight into marine life and the ecology of the world's oceans.
The coral, found off the coast of Goolboodi (also known as Orpheus Island), is about 35 feet high. Its massive structure was discovered by accident by the Schmidt Ocean Institute's Robotic Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) during a 3D mapping expedition. The discovery of this coral, which hails from the Porites genus of large reef-building corals, is indeed a sign of hope amid the ongoing decline worldwide in coral reefs due to causes like climate change and ocean acidification.
Scientists believe the coral's robust structure has enabled it to survive for approximately 300 years despite these changing environmental contexts. The chance discovery of such an old and large coral presents an invaluable opportunity for scientists to conduct further studies about the resilience of certain species against climate-related threats. Research into this sea creature could potentially provide significant insights into the long-term survival of coral reefs. It further underlines the importance of ocean exploration and conserving marine ecosystems for the insights they can provide into bio-diversity and climate resilience.
Source: https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/384668/worlds-largest-coral-discovered-solomon-islands
6. Diabetics left without treatment as global rate of disease doubles
The global rate of diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years, leading to a situation where many diabetics are left untreated. More than 800 million adults now have the disease worldwide, signifying a surge in global health challenges. The situation also creates vast opportunities in the weight-loss drug market. The elevated rate of disease accentuates the need for more dedicated efforts to manage, treat and prevent diabetes.
The rising global rates of diabetes, as noted by Financial Times, are alarming and reveal a serious health crisis. Key factors contributing to this increase include unhealthy lifestyles, high consumption of processed foods, and lack of physical activity among a large portion of the worldwide population. The Guardian article suggests that tackling obesity could be a critical factor in addressing diabetes rates, as obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of the disease.
Referring to the MarketWatch article, the escalating diabetes rates provide a significant opportunity for the weight-loss drug industry. Pharmaceutical companies and startups focusing on developing obesity and diabetes management drugs stand to benefit considerably from this health crisis.
The Reuters and U.S. News reports highlight the staggering number of people affected by diabetes around the globe, emphasizing that many of these cases remain untreated. This untreated population significantly increases risks for complications including heart diseases, stroke, kidney disease, and eye issues. The studies stress the urgent need for action, further research, and resources committed to prevention strategies, early detection, and affordable treatment options to manage this burgeoning global health issue.
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/40d098ed-129a-4116-83a1-7941c58bd9cf